What the Dead Can Do has an intriguing, original idea of life after death. There is focus on grief and loss throughout the novel and the lengths to which one might go to escape the pain. I thought it was a brilliant idea.

Most of the action occurs in the first and last parts of the novel. Much of the middle is introspection from the characters, and although it gave a lot of insight into their hearts and minds, I found that it pulled me out of the story somewhat.

I think this debut novel from Rosch shows his talent for story development and thinking outside the box. I look forward to more of his stories in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel.

Wow!! The book follows the sole survivor of a plane crash, a toddler, whose parents watch from the afterlife. The books characters are all going through something and this story takes on a literary horror/thriller tone with deep narrations around what’s going on. I love the whole idea and concept and thought it was executed well.

If you’ve read any of Rosch’s works, including but not limited to his full length novels, you’d recognize his writing style inside What the Dead Can Do. If you enjoy his prose, this won’t disappoint. In fact, it is my opinion that this is his best work. Rating Rosch’s specific brand of storytelling from 0-10, I give it an 11. Just the right amount of character development, with levels of suspense perhaps slightly above what you believe you’ve prepared for.

A tale of possession from the afterlife in which those who remain here to pick up the pieces are just trying to do their best. But their best isn’t good enough for the possessor, and her plan to relieve them from the equation is unique, to state it mildly. The characters are relatable, especially to anyone with addiction issues (or family members with same), children, or just a general sense of right and wrong in a difficult to handle situation. Rosch’s brain is burning pure gasoline as he lets loose his dark brand of creativity, exploring a fresh perspective on how things work in Second Plane, after you’ve left this one. The book’s title is as much a commentary on the departed’s abilities here in the present as it is a concept of what they are allowed to do once gone from this earth. You’ll begin to understand the rules, just as you learn how they can be broken.

This book affected me. After finishing it, I thankfully had the wherewithal to sit with it mentally for a few days before giving a review. It deserved a well constructed assessment, and I had hoped to collect myself first. In retrospect, I wish I’d captured the emotions I’d been feeling upon completion of the story, and during the last several chapters leading up to the book’s conclusion. My heart literally pounded, actual tears welled in my eyes. I’ll never be able to accurately convey my in-the-moment sentiments, but I’m glad I waited long enough to realize that what I really wished for was more of the story. I even considered starting it over the next day.

Once I started this story, I found it difficult to put it down. I loved the characters and the afterlife, Second Plane, and its rules that Mr. Rosch created.

What the Dead Can Do is a chilling and unforgettable thriller that blends grief, obsession, and the supernatural in a way that had me hooked from the first page. The story of Ethan—the sole survivor of a plane crash—quickly spirals into a haunting battle between love and madness from beyond the grave. I was deeply unsettled (in the best way) by Amanda’s descent into darkness and the terrifying lengths she’s willing to go to be with her son. The emotional weight of Tag’s struggle to protect Ethan adds depth to the suspense, making the stakes feel heartbreakingly real. It’s a smart, eerie read with psychological layers and just the right touch of horror. This is the kind of book that lingers in your thoughts long after you finish it. ❤️💜

I appreciate for the opportunity to read and review this book. However, it just didn't resonate with me. I found it a slow read after the first chapter. The writing was done well but it was slightly boring in my opinion. 🤷‍♀️. I found myself not invested in the story or the characters.

The concept was definitely unique. I went into it with high expectations because it was a different take on the thriller genre and the supernatural. It just fell slight flat with me. 💔

This book was a remarkable read, offering a distinctive and engaging narrative. My thanks go to NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy. At the heart of the story is Little Ethan, who survives a plane crash and is taken in by his godparents, while his parents watch from another plane. The author skillfully examines the complex interplay between grief and love, as seen through the eyes of a mother grappling with the loss of her son. The themes of addiction and suspense are expertly woven throughout the narrative, making for a compelling read from start to finish. I highly recommend this book

Peter Rosch’s What the Dead Can Do is a gripping and unpredictable blend of paranormal horror, psychological thriller, and family drama that completely defies expectations. It begins with a tragedy when a devastating plane crash leaves only one toddler as the sole survivor. From there, the story takes a dark and unexpected turn into a chilling and mind-bending journey that keeps you on edge until the very last page.

This book truly has it all. Addiction struggles, supernatural elements, deep-seated family conflicts, and a mystery that constantly shifts in ways you would never see coming. The twists were genuinely shocking and left me stunned multiple times. Rosch’s writing is immersive, and his storytelling is nothing short of creative genius. He masterfully weaves suspense and horror, making this an unforgettable read.

If you are looking for a book that blends multiple genres seamlessly while keeping you completely hooked, What the Dead Can Do is a must-read. It is eerie, intense, and utterly captivating. This is a story that lingers long after you have finished it. 4.5 ⭐

I thought this book was a good read. It was interesting to see the lengths parents can go to keep their children. Once I started this story, I found it difficult to put it down. This story was interesting enough to keep me engaged and curious to see where it would go next, and the premise was completely unique.

Than k you to the publisher and to NetGalley.

What the Dead Can Do is a book that promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking read for any reader who is a fan of psychological thrillers with supernatural elements, exploring themes of obsession, the afterlife, and parental love.

Never be afraid to 'go there', an expression for artists that I love, but if you do show no fear and you 'go there', you better do it with grace and style and skill. Such is the case with this work, where Rosch presents some taboo subjects with amazing creativity and style. Most of us would kill to keep our children alive, but will we kill our own child if we felt that was best? (What?! Yep, i know, you've got to read this). The work tackles relationships, and those micro-battles all parents fight with each other over parenting, and also a completely new take on the idea of 'possession. Rosch has an amazing wit, a genius creativity, and it's on full display here. Loved it.

This was a great book! It was equally terrifying, eerie, and slightly optimistic. It was definitely a great psychological thriller. I think it was a great story and the writing was really good. I really did enjoy reading this book!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

mind-bending psychological thriller that keeps you questioning everything. The story follows [protagonist’s name], whose life spirals out of control after [inciting incident]. As paranoia sets in, reality blurs, and the line between truth and deception vanishes.

'What the Dead Can Do' stands out as the most original ghost story I’ve ever enjoyed, even among the hundreds I’ve read. Blending mystery, thriller, horror, and family drama with extraordinary creativity, it transcends genre boundaries and delivers a must-read tale.
Peter Rosch is a master of his craft, weaving such compelling narratives that his fresh perspective on the afterlife feels utterly authentic, effortlessly drawing readers in without requiring any suspension of disbelief.
Seriously, you have to read this one.

This book is a total mind-bender—part supernatural thriller, part psychological nightmare, and 100% addictive. After a plane crash kills everyone on board except two-year-old Ethan, his late parents, Tag and Amanda, watch helplessly from the afterlife as he’s placed with family friends. But Amanda’s grief turns into something terrifying—she’s convinced Ethan belongs with her, and she’ll do anything to be reunited with him… even if it means taking his life.

The mix of supernatural horror and real-life tension is chilling. The battle between Tag and Amanda is both heartbreaking and terrifying, and the whole concept is just so unique. If you love dark, twisty thrillers with an eerie edge, What the Dead Can Do is a must-read!

This book has a dark but very unique take on the afterlife. Intense and tragic, this is an amazing book any thriller/horror lover would thoroughly enjoy!

thank you net galley for this arc. this is a story about the thin line between grief, loss, love. Ethan is the son of Amanda and Tag who die in a plain crash, as they watch there son from what called the plain another form of the afterlife.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.

A timely book given the state of air travel, What the Dead Can Do is set up by a tragedy, a plane crash in which only one toddler is the survivor - but devolves into fantastical horror.

While Ethan, the little survivor of the crash, is taken in by his godparents, his mom and dad, Tag and Amanda, watch him from the second plane (a form of afterlife). What they see saddens Tag and enrages Amanda as Ethan’s new ‘mother’ is a drunk, and his new ‘father’ has his hands full trying to keep things under control. Really his most parental figure is his new sister Emily, who is the absolute star of this story. As Amanda searches for a way to bring her son to second plane, readers discover more about this unique idea of the afterlife and the thin line between love, grief, and absolute insanity.

This was chilling, went to places I could not have guessed at, but absolutely had me glued. The closest comparison I could try to make would be to liken this to a dark The Lovely Bones in some elements, but I assure other would be readers, this is its own story and one that will fascinate and give you some scares along the way.

I just finished reading this incredible book, and I have to say it’s a must-read! The story is deeply engaging, with an amazing storyline that builds a strong connection between reality and a mysterious “second plane” after death.

What truly captivated me was how the parents, even after passing away, remained present in their child’s life watching over him and trying to help in every possible way. It’s an emotional yet thrilling journey that keeps you hooked till the very end.

I’m so happy and grateful to have received this book through NetGalley, and a huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books for this amazing read. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a gripping thriller with a unique and heartfelt twist

Posting this on March 1, 2025.

Oof. Where to begin? This is not your average possession story, or at least I've never read one like it.

The plot is certainly unique, and while dark, I found Amanda's obsession with reuniting with her still-living son relatable. Beyond that, though, there are friendship dynamics, family dynamics, loyalty questions, and the question of how far is too far all wonderfully at play here. I'd downloaded this book with the intent of starting it in between some other things, Once I started, those other things had to wait.

Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.